The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), on Thursday, called for urgent reform of the Nigeria Police Force and constitutionally safeguarded state policing to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property across the country.

The party also urged the Federal Government to review economic policies contributing to rising living costs, declining purchasing power and increasing poverty among Nigerians.

National Chairman and Leader of the DLA, Barrister Samuel Memeh, disclosed this in Abuja, during the official commencement of the party’s campaigns and presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates.

Memeh said the country needed leadership anchored on competence, integrity, accountability, science, technology and service to the people.

He said the party was committed to developing practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges rather than merely criticising existing problems.

On insecurity, the DLA chairman condemned persistent killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and attacks on farming communities, insisting that Nigerians deserved to live, travel, work and farm without fear.

He said: “The protection of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of the government. The Federal Government must not allow the weaknesses of the current policing system to persist while Nigerians suffer.”

He called for intelligence-driven security operations, modern technology, improved training and equipment for security personnel, better intelligence sharing and accountability in the management of security funds.

Memeh said the existing policing system required improved capacity, professional training, better welfare, modern investigative tools and effective supervision.

He added that strengthening the existing police system and establishing responsible state police structures should not be treated as mutually exclusive options.

The DLA leader, however, stressed that state policing must be backed by safeguards against political abuse and measures to protect citizens’ rights.

On the economy, Memeh expressed concern over the hardship facing households and businesses, saying government policies should be assessed by their impact on citizens rather than their stated objectives.

He said economic reforms should translate into affordable food, employment opportunities, productive businesses and improved living standards.

The party, he added, would support policies that advance the public interest, challenge those that cause avoidable hardship and propose practical alternatives.

Memeh said the DLA wanted Nigeria to move away from excessive dependence on consumption and imports towards production, manufacturing, modern agriculture, renewable energy, science, technology and innovation.

He said such a shift would create opportunities for young Nigerians to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, inventors and employers of labour.

The chairman also urged party leaders at the national, state, local government and ward levels to be more proactive in addressing challenges affecting their communities.

He added, “Leadership is not merely occupying an office or attending meetings. It requires initiative, courage, knowledge and the ability to provide solutions.”

He urged party leaders to scrutinise government policies, identify failures and propose credible alternatives instead of waiting until election periods to address public concerns.

Addressing the party’s candidates, Memeh said the Certificates of Return and party flags presented at the event represented responsibility rather than personal entitlement.

He urged them to conduct peaceful campaigns, obey electoral laws, present credible policies, listen to constituents and respect political opponents.

“Our party’s mission is greater than the ambition of any individual. We must put aside unnecessary rivalries, respect our party’s constitution and work together towards our common objectives,” he said.

Memeh called on party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation, expressing the belief that competent leadership, sound policies, strong institutions and accountability could put Nigeria on a better path.

He urged Nigerians to scrutinise the party’s ideology, candidates and policy proposals, adding that its commitment to national development would extend beyond election day.

The DLA chairman subsequently declared the party’s campaign season open, calling for a secure, just and productive Nigeria built on responsible leadership and institutional development.